My husband and I recently took advantage of the long weekend by road-tripping to Tulbagh. Tulbagh is one of many small town gems in the Western Cape.
When I travel, I try to make a point of blending in and not being an obvious tourist. It creates a more authentic experience and I’m left feeling like I really have gotten to know a place in time and a pocket of people. This is relatively easy to achieve in a small town.
We are spoiled for choice in the Western Cape. Towns are isolated from each other and far enough away from the city to feel like a different part of the world. I had been to Tulbagh once in my teens and had always felt like I wanted to return.
In my adulthood it is very apparent why this town is still so lovely to me. Tulbagh is Cape Dutch architecture at its best. Gables, thatch, stoeps (porches), wooden floors and window frames.
Tulbagh by night
In small towns, the stars shine so much brighter, the trees are taller, the hills are more commanding, the people are almost always nicer, the roads are safer, the lifestyle is simple and the colours are intensified. There are picturesque dams around every turn.
Small towns are known mostly for their produce and shops normally stock the town’s finest offerings. In Tulbagh there are many olive and wine farms and although I don’t eat olives nor drink alcohol, it is still impressive to see the great detail and care that goes into showcasing these products.
Tea at Tulbagh
The guest house that we stayed in overnight was called Vindoux Guest Farm, Luxury Tree House and Spa (www.vindoux.com). The Vindoux Guest Farm and Spa is about 5km from the town’s centre. Our accommodation, a tree house overlooking a mini game farm, also offered sweeping views of the Saronsberg mountain range and rows of divine orchards. The tree house has all of the essentials: a jacuzzi, a wooden deck, massive glass sliding doors and a homely touch like fresh flowers and a French coffee press. They offer the option of breakfast in bed which has a magical way of making you feel like royalty.
The biggest pool in Tulbagh was easy to find 15m x 8m and right outside our tree house
I relaxed in the spa the next day which was lovely and serene. In fact it was so calming that I fell asleep (a rookie mistake).
Tulbagh Titbits best viewed from the saddle of a mountain bike
On your way to Tulbagh? Be sure to try the Olive Terrace Bistro at the Tulbagh Hotel for a yummy and well-priced (by Cape Town’s standards) meal. We had the chickpea burger which has a great texture and is served with coleslaw and real potato fries (www.tulbaghhotel.co.za)
Look up Vindoux, they are running some awesome specials at the moment that give you real bang for your buck.
If you liked Tulbagh you’ll love Elgin, Franschoek and Montague.
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